Coroner's Diary

"Cough... cough..."

The sudden sound of light coughing abruptly shattered the grief in Yan Huai's heart. His eyes brightened instantly as he strode to the Empress Dowager's bedside in two steps. Leaning over, he saw that the previously unresponsive Empress Dowager had now slightly opened her eyes.

Yan Huai quickly knelt down, "Mother?"

His tentative question was met with the Empress Dowager's lips parting, but no sound emerged.

Yan Huai immediately turned to Qin Guan, "What's happening?"

Qin Guan's face was still damp with sweat and unusually pale. Before she could respond, Mammy Chen answered with tear-reddened eyes, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager can now take medicine..."

After Mammy Chen spoke, Qin Guan added wearily, "Your Majesty can rest assured. Since the Empress Dowager has awakened enough to take medicine, she has passed half the critical point. Her consciousness isn't fully clear yet, so she cannot speak."

Hearing this, Yan Huai breathed a heavy sigh of relief, but then turned to Mammy Chen, "If this is good news, why were you shouting earlier?!"

It was Mammy Chen's shout that had made everyone think something dangerous had happened to the Empress Dowager.

Mammy Chen immediately showed remorse, lowering her gaze, "Please forgive this servant, Your Majesty. It was this young lady's instruction. After the Empress Dowager took the medicine but showed no signs of waking, the young lady administered needle therapy while having me call out to the Empress Dowager by her ear. She said Her Highness would wake faster if she heard familiar voices nearby."

Only then did Yan Huai understand the reasoning behind Mammy Chen's shout. He looked at Qin Guan, "Young lady, you've performed another great service."

Qin Guan kept her eyes downcast, "This common girl doesn't dare claim credit. Being able to save the Empress Dowager is already my great fortune."

Seeing Qin Guan's pale complexion, Yan Huai asked, "Has the needle therapy drained much of your energy? What needs to be done now?"

Qin Guan shook her head, "Nothing for the moment. The Empress Dowager has taken the life-sustaining decoction. Now we wait for her consciousness to gradually recover as the medicine takes effect. Her Highness will continue to sleep and should wake again before mao hour. She'll take another dose of the life-sustaining decoction then, with a third dose at noon. If Her Highness can take all three doses without complication, then she will truly have passed through this crisis."

Yan Huai's heart tightened again, "And if she cannot?"

Qin Guan replied, "Then we must continue with needle therapy." Pausing briefly, she looked up at Yan Huai, "But in that case, the Empress Dowager's body would truly be unable to withstand it, just as the two physicians said. So the best outcome is for Her Highness to successfully take the two doses at mao hour and noon."

Yan Huai's eyes darkened, "How confident are you?"

Qin Guan met his gaze, "Eighty percent."

Hearing "eighty percent," the tension in Yan Huai's chest eased somewhat. After this experience, Yan Huai had come to trust Qin Guan's medical skills immensely - after all, she had accomplished what even the Chief Physician of the Imperial Hospital could not!

"Good, I understand." Yan Huai's expression softened as he straightened up, "You've worked hard. This time, you haven't disappointed me."

Qin Guan kept her eyes modestly lowered, "This common girl is deeply grateful for Your Majesty's trust in me."

Yan Huai laughed heartily and was about to speak when a palace maid appeared at the doorway, "Your Majesty, Physician He has arrived."

Hearing this, Yan Huai's expression darkened. He glanced at Qin Guan and said, "Let Physician He enter."Seeing this, Qin Guan took a slight step back and stood aside. She knew Yan Huai wanted to summon Imperial Physician He to reexamine the Empress Dowager’s condition. She didn’t mind this at all. Although it seemed she had saved the Empress Dowager, Yan Huai would only feel more at ease if the physician who regularly attended to the Empress Dowager confirmed her condition.

As she thought this, Qin Guan felt numerous gazes fixed on her back. Without turning around, she knew she was surrounded by people. Moreover, Yan Chi was among them. Qin Guan straightened her posture slightly and remained still.

Soon, Imperial Physician He, who was in charge of the Empress Dowager’s health, entered the inner chamber. He was also an elderly man past his forties. Upon entering, he first paid his respects to the nobles in the room before stepping forward to check the Empress Dowager’s pulse.

He had been summoned from somewhere unknown and was now drenched in sweat from rushing over. He took a few deep breaths by the bedside before beginning to check the pulse. With great caution, he repeated the process several times before his expression finally relaxed.

"Your Majesty, the critical signs in the Empress Dowager’s pulse have been eliminated," Imperial Physician He reported.

As soon as he spoke, the worry in Yan Huai’s eyes lessened further. He turned to look at Qin Guan, his gaze filled with satisfaction and admiration. "Excellent. Imperial Physician He, since you are already in the palace, remain here tonight to attend to the Empress Dowager. Follow Ninth Girl’s prescription."

Upon hearing that the Empress Dowager’s condition had been critical, Imperial Physician He had been terrified. Now, learning that she was out of danger, he breathed a huge sigh of relief. He would not only use Qin Guan’s prescription but would even be willing to assist her if needed.

Imperial Physician He repeatedly acknowledged the order and withdrew. Only then did Yan Huai turn to Qin Guan and say, "The wind is fierce and the snow is heavy outside. Why not stay in the palace tonight?"

Qin Guan immediately shook her head. If nothing else, Fuling would be worried to death if she did not return overnight. Besides, it was New Year’s Eve—there was no reason for her to remain in the palace. "Tonight is New Year’s Eve. This commoner must return to the manor no matter what."

Yan Huai raised an eyebrow. "What’s the harm in staying in the palace? The Loyal Marquis Manor’s household has already returned."

Qin Guan hesitated for a moment. "There are still a few servants waiting for this commoner to return and celebrate the New Year. If I do not go back, I fear they will not be able to enjoy the festivities…"

Yan Huai smiled at this. Qin Guan had lost both her parents, yet she still cared so deeply for her close servants.

Seeing this, Yan Huai did not press her further. "You have rendered a great service today and must be rewarded. However, since you are alone, the rewards will be given tomorrow. If you wish to return to the manor, I will arrange for someone to escort you. When the Empress Dowager wakes tomorrow, she may summon you to the palace again if needed…"

Qin Guan quickly bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Yan Huai nodded and was about to instruct Yuan Qing to prepare a carriage to send Qin Guan back when his gaze fell upon Yan Chi, who was standing nearby. A thought crossed Yan Huai’s mind. "Yan Chi, why don’t you escort Ninth Girl back to the manor?"

Yan Huai knew how they had traveled to the capital together, and this suggestion naturally aligned perfectly with Yan Chi’s wishes.

Yan Chi was pleased inwardly but showed no expression. "Very well. Yan Chi was also planning to leave the palace. Your Majesty can rest assured—Yan Chi will ensure Ninth Miss returns safely to the Loyal Marquis Manor."

Yan Huai nodded, feeling completely at ease. It was New Year’s Eve, and despite the fierce wind and snow, the capital was bound to be lively. Without Yan Chi, he would have been somewhat worried.Yan Chi walked over to Qin Guan and handed her the cape. Qin Guan's gaze met his briefly before she averted her eyes, taking the cape and draping it over herself. Seeing this, Zhao Shuhua sighed softly, "It seems the gift I prepared for Ninth Miss cannot be carried with her now. I might as well send it to the Marquis residence tomorrow along with His Majesty's rewards."

Qin Guan quickly curtsied, "Thank you, Empress."

Zhao Shuhua stepped forward and took Qin Guan's hand, speaking gently, "It is I who should thank you. You saved the Empress Dowager—both the Emperor and I are grateful. It's a pity the hour is late, otherwise I would have surely invited you to my quarters. For tonight, return to your residence first. Another day, I shall have someone bring you to the palace for a visit."

As she spoke, Zhao Shuhua straightened the collar of Qin Guan's cape. Despite her lofty status as Empress, her affectionate demeanor toward Qin Guan was evident. Yan Chi, standing nearby, watched with a deepening gaze. Meanwhile, Feng Lingsu, Yan Che, and Yan Qi also had their eyes fixed on Qin Guan. Feng Lingsu seemed about to speak upon seeing Zhao Shuhua's actions, but before she could part her lips, Yan Chi interjected, "Empress, the hour grows late. It would be best for Ninth Miss and me to leave the palace soon."

Zhao Shuhua smiled, "Very well. We are assured with you escorting her."

She then glanced at Yan Huai, who waved his hand, "Go ahead. Have Yuan Qing make the arrangements."

Yan Chi bowed in salute, while Qin Guan curtsied to Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua. Then, Yan Chi strode forward, with Qin Guan following closely behind, and together they exited the inner chamber of the Longevity and Health Palace.

As the two departed one after the other, Zhao Shuhua remarked, "Yan Chi went to Jinzhou—it seems he and Ninth girl are quite familiar."

Yan Huai chuckled, "Indeed. The Grand Princess even entrusted Yan Chi with her care, truly treating that girl as the apple of her eye."

Zhao Shuhua's lips curved slightly, "With such looks, her ability to heal, and such sensible manners, who wouldn't cherish her as the apple of their eye? Moreover, with that appearance alone, she certainly needs protection in the capital. Our aunt must have considered everything thoroughly."

At these words, Yan Huai narrowed his eyes. Reflecting on it, Qin Guan seemed to have reached the age for marriage discussions. No sooner had this thought surfaced than Yan Huai swept a glance over his sons. Though a notion stirred within him, he showed no outward sign, instead turning to approach the Empress Dowager's bedside, his gaze settling on her somewhat gaunt face.

Once princes reached fourteen or fifteen, countless people concerned themselves with their marriages. Though princes held exalted positions, in truth, their choices were rather limited. Whether it was the Empress or Consort Su, as birth mothers, they took particular interest—scrutinizing the family backgrounds, temperaments, appearances, and other aspects of potential matches with great care. Moreover, by the time the princes turned ten and marriage arrangements truly began, these mothers already had candidates in mind.

Before Qin Guan's return, each had her own plans. But now, things were different.As the ruler of a nation, Yan Huai seldom concerned himself with his children's marriages, so he gave it little thought at the moment. After staying with the Empress Dowager a while longer, he saw her drift back into slumber. Though it was New Year's Eve, Yan Huai still had official duties to attend to, and the hour was growing late. He dismissed the Empress and the others, then addressed the princes: "The snowstorm is heavy tonight, and it's the New Year. Spend more time with your mothers. Yan Qi, you may remain in the palace."

Among Yan Huai's sons, only Yan Che and Yan Qi had been enfeoffed as princes. Now that Yan Che resided in the Eastern Palace as Crown Prince, he naturally had no need to leave the palace. The others were still young and being raised within the palace grounds. Hearing this, Yan Qi promptly agreed. After giving instructions to the imperial physicians and Mammy Chen, Yan Huai led his retinue out of the Longevity and Health Palace.

Yan Huai's imperial carriage departed first, followed by the others boarding their respective conveyances. Since Yan Huai had urged them to accompany their mothers, Yan Che and Yan Zhen joined Zhao Shuhua's carriage, while Yan Qi entered Feng Lingsu's. Wan Fei, Song Wanqing, also returned to her palace with the Eighth Prince. Only the Sixth Prince, whose birth mother had passed away, was escorted back to his residence by servants.

Inside Zhao Shuhua's carriage, Yan Zhen blinked at Yan Che. "Brother, why do you seem so distracted?"

A slight smile touched Zhao Shuhua's lips as she gazed at Yan Che. "Che'er, could it be that you..." She trailed off, but Yan Zhen caught on quickly. "Brother, have you taken a liking to that Ninth Miss from the Qin Manor?"

Yan Che frowned slightly. "Don't speak nonsense."

Yan Zhen giggled, clinging to Zhao Shuhua's arm. "Mother, why can't we talk about it? That Ninth Miss is truly beautiful, but... I noticed Brother also seems interested in Sister Chao Yu."

Zhao Shuhua studied Yan Che for a moment. "Che'er, what are your thoughts?"

Yan Che met her gaze and shook his head. "Mother, your son's heart remains unchanged."

Zhao Shuhua nodded, first stroking Yan Zhen's cheek before sighing. "That girl Qin Guan is indeed commendable, but... what a pity..."

"What pity?" Yan Zhen widened her almond-shaped eyes. Zhao Shuhua tapped her nose. "The pity is she doesn't have a mother who's the Empress like you do, nor an elder brother who's the Crown Prince."

It took Yan Zhen a moment to grasp her meaning, but she responded earnestly, "But Mother, Brother is already the Crown Prince. Why would he need a wife from an illustrious family?"

Zhao Shuhua drew her into an embrace. "Silly child, these aren't matters for you to ponder. If you like Qin Guan, you may summon her to the palace to play another time."

Unable to comprehend fully and seeing Zhao Shuhua had no intention of elaborating, Yan Zhen nodded and fell silent.

Zhao Shuhua then turned her attention back to Yan Che. "Che'er, are you still thinking about that girl from the Shen family?"

Yan Che remained silent, his eyes still shadowed with depth. Yan Zhen's eyes darted thoughtfully. "You mean that equally beautiful Sister Shen? I've only seen her twice, but no one could be more reserved than her."

Zhao Shuhua remarked, "After all, the Shen girl has a father who serves as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Qin Guan has nothing." Her gaze sharpened slightly. "Though, come to think of it, there is a certain resemblance in their temperaments."At the same time, Feng Lingsu was sneering coldly inside the carriage. "The Empress moves too swiftly. I believe she knows the Emperor values that Ninth girl from the Qin family, so she's trying to curry favor and win her over. The items I sent for were intercepted by the Empress tonight, yet in the end, she still couldn't deliver them. Tomorrow morning, I'll find an excuse to send some rewards to the Marquis Manor as well."

Yan Qi frowned, somewhat disapproving. "Why bother with such schemes, Mother?"

Feng Lingsu glared at him irritably. "Isn't it all for your sake?"

Yan Qi shook his head, his gaze turning pensive. "Somehow, I feel there's something familiar about the Qin Manor's Ninth Miss."

Feng Lingsu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Have you met her before?"

Yan Qi shook his head. "I don't think so, but when I saw her today, her posture and demeanor felt somewhat familiar, as if I'd seen her somewhere before. Yet I'm certain I've never actually met her..."

Feng Lingsu pursed her lips. "Then where does this feeling come from? Could it be... you've taken a liking to her?"

Hearing this, Yan Qi narrowed his phoenix eyes, a faint predatory glint flashing within. "She... is indeed more pleasing to the eye than Qin Chaoyu. However... the Loyal Marquis Manor clearly sides with the Crown Prince."

As he spoke, an image of Qin Guan surfaced in Yan Qi's mind. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "I've got it—I know why she seemed familiar—"

Feng Lingsu looked at her son. "Why?"

Yan Qi met her gaze. "Mother, do you remember the daughter of the Shen family? The one formerly betrothed to Yan Che?"

Feng Lingsu looked somewhat blank. "You mean the princess consort previously engaged to the Crown Prince?"

Yan Qi nodded. "Exactly. Do you still remember her? You've seen her once before. Don't you think there's a resemblance in their aura?"

Feng Lingsu thought carefully for a while, straining to recall a faint memory before nodding. "I'd forgotten all about it until you mentioned it. That Shen girl also had an ethereal elegance about her. But I heard she rarely went out—unless summoned by decree to the palace, she wouldn't even attend tea parties at other households. Quite an odd character."

She then warned him, "You should only speak of this with me. Never dare mention it before your father. Your father still holds some regard for Consort Jin. He was deeply affected by her tragedy, so anything related to her must be avoided from now on."

Yan Qi lifted his chin. "I know, Mother. Don't worry." He murmured again, "No wonder she felt familiar. So it's because she resembles that person. The Shen family's daughter had a pitifully short life, and her background seems rather unfortunate too."

Feng Lingsu nodded. "The second master and mistress of the Qin family passed away long ago. She's practically living under someone else's roof at the Marquis Manor now."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qi raised his chin slightly, a trace of regret in his eyes. "What a pity..."

...

...

As the night deepened, the wind grew fierce and snow fell heavily. The carriage arranged by Yuan Qing departed from the front of the Longevity and Health Palace, heading straight for the Zhengyang Gate.

The driver was a eunuch from the Imperial Household Department. Inside the carriage, Yan Chi sat down and immediately pulled Qin Guan into his embrace. Qin Guan froze, instinctively trying to struggle, but in the next moment, Yan Chi softly "shushed" in her ear.

Qin Guan hesitated, and Yan Chi placed her hands against his chest, enveloping her completely in his arms.Qin Guan's hand rested against Yan Chi's warm chest, where she could even feel the powerful rhythm of his heartbeat. For a moment, her own pulse quickened in response. Yan Chi did nothing more than hold her in his embrace, yet it took nearly half the time it takes to drink a cup of tea for her hands and body to finally grow warm. Sensing this, Yan Chi loosened his hold slightly. Qin Guan shifted her posture, nestling deeper into his arms. The carriage was dimly lit, yet filled with a cozy warmth.

Neither spoke, but an unspoken understanding lingered in the air. Yan Chi knew Qin Guan was utterly exhausted and only wished to offer her warmth and a chance to relax. Qin Guan, in turn, understood his intentions and gently closed her eyes.

Without a word exchanged, the carriage traveled along the Palace Road for the time it takes two incense sticks to burn before arriving at Zhengyang Gate. After exiting Zhengyang Gate, it continued straight out through Zhenghua Gate. Just beyond Zhenghua Gate, Bai Feng was waiting outside the palace with another carriage prepared. Yan Chi instructed the palace driver and carriage to return, then escorted Qin Guan into his own carriage.

Once inside, Yan Chi still held Qin Guan's hands in his own to warm them. "Are you completely worn out?"

Though usually composed, Qin Guan couldn't help but show a trace of weariness before Yan Chi. "A little. The Empress Dowager's condition tonight was truly critical. If we had been even an hour later, no medicine could have saved her."

As she finished speaking, the carriage began to move slowly. While in the palace, Qin Guan had wished the driver would hurry, but now, outside the palace walls, she had no desire to rush Bai Feng, who drove steadily and calmly.

Yan Chi suddenly pressed a kiss to the tip of her finger and said earnestly, "Thank you."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Do you need to say 'thank you' between us?"

Yan Chi smiled. "My father was not born of the Empress Dowager. I've heard she was quite formidable in her youth, but she has always been very kind to the younger generation. After my father's mother passed away, the Empress Dowager took even greater care of him. Though not my blood grandmother, she is someone very dear to me."

Qin Guan's voice softened at his words. "Don't worry. Although I said eighty percent certainty, it's actually ninety. As long as the palace maids and Mommas don't forget to administer the medicine, the Empress Dowager will surely pull through this time."

Yan Chi's smile deepened. To comfort him, Qin Guan was even making jokes. Forget missing a dose—the maids and Mommas at Longevity and Health Palace probably wouldn't even dare to doze off now. "I trust you completely. Initially, I didn't want you involved in the Empress Dowager's illness because of its gravity, but the situation was urgent, and my only thought was that you were the only one who could save her."

Qin Guan's lips curved slightly, but she didn't mention that even if he hadn't come, Feng Chenbi would have pushed her forward. "You have such faith in me. At the time, I didn't know what illness the Empress Dowager had and felt somewhat hesitant."

"Because I remember you saying that as long as one person believes in you, you won't let that person down." Yan Chi's voice was tender as he gently stroked her cheek. "I am that person who will always believe in you."These words gently plucked at Qin Guan's heartstrings. Among the many qualities that attracted her to Yan Chi, this particular trait carried significant weight. Just as Qin Guan felt genuinely moved, Yan Chi suddenly pressed something into her palm. Hastily opening her hand, she found a luminous piece of fine jade resting there. The jade was a circular pendant, intricately carved with overlapping orchid and dragon patterns, its edges adorned with delicate openwork clouds. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a tiny character engraved at the center, but the carving was so minute that Qin Guan couldn't decipher it in the dim light.

The jade felt warm to the touch, its texture clear and crystalline. The carvings on the Jade Token were exceptionally intricate and rare, clearly marking it as a treasure. Qin Guan glanced at the Jade Token in her hand, then at Yan Chi, and asked, "What is this?"

A slight smile touched Yan Chi's lips. "It's the New Year. This is your lucky money."

Qin Guan was taken aback. "Lucky money for me?" She chuckled softly. "I'm not a child anymore..."

Yan Chi would not allow Qin Guan to refuse. He grasped her small hand firmly, the Jade Token in her palm enclosed within his hold. "If I gave you anything else, you would surely fear discovery. This object, worn close to your heart, can ward off misfortune and suppress evil, and it also represents my heart's desire to protect you."

Having heard Yan Chi say this, how could Qin Guan still refuse? Besides, tonight was New Year's Eve after all.

Qin Guan had initially thought this year's celebration would be bleak and miserable, spent in longing and sorrow for her parents. Yet by some twist of fate, she found herself alone with Yan Chi. Her heart aching faintly, she withdrew her hand from his and hung the Jade Token around her neck. Tugging at her collar, she tucked the token inside her garments.

Seeing that she had indeed put on the Jade Token, Yan Chi was overjoyed and could not help but pull her into his embrace once more. After a moment, he sighed softly, "Like this, it still counts as having celebrated the New Year."

Qin Guan sensed a trace of desolation in Yan Chi's tone but was uncertain what had prompted his sigh. His words, however, stirred her own hidden melancholy. Wrapping her arms around Yan Chi's waist, she buried her face against his chest.

After all, it was New Year's Eve. Attending the palace banquet did not feel like celebrating the New Year; receiving numerous gifts did not feel like celebrating the New Year; joining the crowds to view lanterns or set off Paper firecrackers did not feel like celebrating the New Year. Only when family members reunited could it truly feel like the New Year.

Yan Chi was alone in the capital, and Qin Guan was even more solitary. How similar their situations were. Yan Chi pitied her, and she, in turn, felt compassion for him. In Qin Guan's memory, she vaguely recalled that Prince Rui's princess consort had also passed away early. Yan Chi had no mother, and his father was not in the capital. Speaking of which, her own circumstances were somewhat better—at least Qin Shu and his wife treated her reasonably well now.

The carriage pressed on through the wind and snow, following the main Path toward Xingle District. Lin'an City was a scene of countless illuminated households, yet the streets had grown sparse and deserted. Two hours earlier, when the Emperor and Empress ascended Zhenghua Gate, the area outside the city tower had been bursting with excitement. But by now, everyone had returned home to share the New Year's Eve meal with their families, leaving the streets desolate. Occasional bursts of Paper firecrackers, accompanied by the laughter and play of children, suddenly evoked a sense of loneliness that stood apart from the festivity.

Qin Guan unconsciously tightened her embrace around Yan Chi's arm.

As if understanding her feelings, Yan Chi held her closer. Embracing in the carriage, the roaring wind and snow of this New Year's Eve felt a little warmer. After a long while, Qin Guan whispered, "I remember Prince Gong's Heir asked you to join him for drinks on New Year's Eve? Will you still go later?"

Yan Chi stroked her hair. "I'll go after seeing you back."

Qin Guan nodded, feeling relieved. Although she was alone, she at least had that large household to return to at the Marquis residence. But if Yan Chi returned to Prince Rui's royal residence, he would be entirely by himself. Though he was a grown man and likely unfazed, the thought pained her. Knowing he would not be spending the New Year alone eased her heart considerably.

"There's one more thing I've never asked you. How did you get that severe injury on your back back in Jinzhou?"Qin Guan suddenly spoke again, bringing up the matter that had been weighing on her mind. When she had treated Yan Chi’s injuries, she had known they were not simple, but at that time, the gap between their statuses was like clouds and mud. She would never pry into his private affairs, so she hadn’t asked. Later, their return to the capital was fraught with difficulties, leaving no good opportunity. Now that Qin Guan was back in the capital and beginning to grasp the chaotic power struggles there, she instinctively felt that Yan Chi’s injuries must be related to someone in the capital.

If that were the case, then the cheerful conversations and laughter he shared with the Emperor and the princes at tonight’s palace banquet were all false—

Hearing her question, Yan Chi’s hand, which had been stroking her hair, paused. After a moment of contemplation, he replied, “There’s no concrete evidence regarding that matter, but it likely has to do with the power struggles within the Northwest Frontier Army. If my father continues to command the army, the authority will eventually be passed to me. Even now, my power in the Northwest Frontier Army is second only to his. My father trusts me, and as long as I am by his side, he won’t delegate power elsewhere. This has made those eager to seize control of the Northwest Frontier Army restless.”

A month ago, Qin Guan would have felt that court disputes were distant from her. But now, as Yan Chi spoke of military matters, it no longer felt unfamiliar. It was as if her time in the palace today had truly transformed her into a noble lady of the capital. The pervasive presence of “power” was unavoidable, and she was not ignorant of the nature of court struggles.

“Though the struggle is over the Northwest Frontier Army’s authority, those contending for it are in the capital.”

Qin Guan’s words were not a question but a statement. Yan Chi chuckled in response, “You needn’t worry about this. I know how to handle it.” Releasing her, he looked at her and said, “Since you’ve asked, it means you’re already aware of the dangers. So, Guan’guan, from now on, whether inside or outside the palace, you must be cautious.”

Qin Guan nodded quickly, “Don’t worry, I understand—”

In her youth, Qin Guan had never been part of the capital’s social circles. Later, when she arrived in the capital, she found even a brief exposure distasteful. Without any ambition for power, she had no desire to force herself into unwelcome situations. If not for being inexplicably designated as the princess consort of Prince Yong, she might never have set foot in the palace. At that time, though she had witnessed the splendor within the palace walls, she had only seen the surface, remaining naive. The subsequent extermination of her family jolted her into realizing the underlying good and evil beneath the capital’s glamour. Later, when she returned to the capital, she saw the same scenes but perceived them entirely differently. If nothing else, Feng Chenbi had shown her tonight what it meant to be scheming.

“Good.” As the carriage slowed, Yan Chi knew they had reached Xingle District. He gently stroked her cheek and said, “Tonight, you saved the Empress Dowager. Tomorrow, you will undoubtedly become the center of attention in the capital. The Emperor may even summon you to the palace. Within the Inner Palace, the Empress and Consort Su hold opposing stances, while other consorts either seek self-preservation or align themselves out of self-interest. If you enter the Inner Palace in the future, remember not to involve yourself in their conflicts. Prioritize staying clear of trouble.”

Qin Guan readily agreed, “Don’t worry. Though I’ve never experienced it, I understand well enough. With so many vying for the favor of one Emperor, compounded by the stakes of the throne, it’s easy to imagine the complexities.”Qin Guan had always been the most intelligent woman Yan Chi had ever known. With just that one remark, he understood she had a clear grasp of the situation, which eased his mind slightly. At that moment, the carriage came to a complete stop. Gazing at Qin Guan's face, Yan Chi felt an overwhelming urge to impart countless words of caution. He knew how many eyes would be upon her at tonight's palace banquet. In the capital, only the Emperor could safely endure such scrutiny—for anyone else, drawing too much attention was far from beneficial.

Moreover, the person before him was one who could effortlessly captivate one's soul...

Lost in these thoughts, Yan Chi leaned down and kissed her. Lin'an City was nothing short of a den of wolves and tigers. Though Qin Guan was no helpless rabbit to be bullied, the thought of so many eyes coveting her filled him with frustration. Yet, how could he bear to suppress the radiance of such an exceptional woman? Tormented by this contradiction, his kiss deepened. Qin Guan, clad in her dress and thick cape, only intensified the feverish restlessness within him. He pulled her onto his lap, his hand slipping beneath her skirt until it brushed against the thin fabric of her undergarments, finally soothing his agitation with the warmth of her skin. But this only ignited a fiercer fire in his lower abdomen, pushing him to the brink of losing control. Abruptly, Yan Chi stilled.

For a moment, they both froze, their ragged breaths echoing softly in the carriage. After a long pause, Qin Guan slid off his lap. She gently squeezed his hand, which still held hers, and reminded him, "I've arrived. You should go find His Highness Yan Li."

Yan Chi pressed his lips together, took a shallow breath, and fastened her cape properly. "You'll likely be summoned to the palace in the coming days. I'll find a way to see you. If anything urgent arises, have Baiying notify me."

Qin Guan nodded, turning to leave the carriage, but then she suddenly turned back and pressed a sachet into Yan Chi's hand.

Before he could ask what it was, she explained, "Sobering pills."

With that, she stepped out of the carriage. As the curtain lifted and fell, Yan Chi heard the creak of Qin Manor's gate opening, followed by what sounded like Qin Yan's voice. Clutching the sachet, a fleeting smile touched his lips.

"Master, shall we proceed to Prince Gong's residence?"

After a moment of silence from Yan Chi, Bai Feng ventured to ask.

Yan Chi pondered briefly before shaking his head. "Yan Li will be accompanying the princess consort. I should return to our residence and spend some time with Mother."

Bai Feng hesitated for a second, then raised the horsewhip.

...

Inside Renshou Hall, Hu Shi paced anxiously, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"Why hasn't she returned yet? Could something have happened? If anything goes wrong today, not only Wan Yatou but our entire Qin family will be implicated. Just think—how could the Crown Prince marry the sister of someone accused of causing the Empress Dowager's death?"

Hu Shi was beside herself with worry, but Qin Shu remained composed. "What nonsense are you speaking? It wasn't Wan Yatou's idea to treat the illness today. Even if something goes wrong, the Emperor can't possibly blame her."

Hu Shi smiled bitterly. "Why must you say such things, Marquis? You know how vicious the rumors in the capital can be. Even if the Emperor doesn't punish her, the malicious gossip alone could ruin the Qin family."

Qin Shu frowned. "Madam, there's no conclusion yet. How can you be sure Wan Yatou won't prove herself?"Hu Shi's bitter smile deepened. "Consider this, Marquis. No matter how capable Wan Yatou may be, the Empress Dowager's constitution simply cannot withstand much more. How many critical illness reports have we received from the Empress Dowager's quarters this year alone? This matter is clearly a calamity. I'm not blaming Wan Yatou—I'm saying if this misfortune falls upon our household, we would be truly wronged."

Qin Chaoyu frowned. "It's all because of that Feng family girl! She did this intentionally! She knew Qin Guan had stolen her spotlight!"

Though Qin Shu was unaware of these petty rivalries among young women, tonight's events had indeed been triggered by Feng Chenbi's words. Narrowing his eyes, Qin Shu naturally placed the blame on the Duke of Zhongguo. "Rest assured, even if something goes wrong this time, I have means to handle it."

Hu Shi clasped her hands together, murmuring prayers to the heavens beyond. Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu grew increasingly restless from the long wait. Though Hu Shi's words were blunt, their reasoning was sound. If Qin Guan failed to save the Empress Dowager tonight, everyone would believe Qin Guan had caused her death. Had this involved palace physicians, it might have been different, but Qin Guan had been thrust into this situation. Thinking of this, Qin Chaoyu clenched her fists tightly!

"Marquis, we must prepare for the worst—" Hu Shi was nearly in tears. Just when Qin Chaoyu was about to be selected as Crown Princess, this unexpected incident emerged—something that should never have concerned the Marquis' household!

This time, Qin Shu didn't refute Hu Shi. He remained silent, deep in thought, indeed preparing for the worst scenario. While Qin Guan excelled at corpse examination—where the dead required no saving and one could only discover what was there—the living were different. Not only was he uncertain about Qin Guan's medical skills, but even if she were exceptionally skilled, what could she do if heaven itself decided to claim the Empress Dowager?

As these thoughts weighed on him, Qin Shu's heart sank to the depths. "If it truly comes to that... our family can only first go to the Emperor to beg for—"

Before he could utter "forgiveness," Granny Yu suddenly appeared at the doorway. "Marquis! They've returned! Ninth Miss has returned!"

"What?" Hearing this, Hu Shi immediately rejoiced. "She's back?!"

Granny Yu nodded. Qin Shu also rose and approached the door, followed closely by Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu. At the entrance, they saw Qin Yan holding an umbrella, beneath which stood Qin Guan clad in white fox fur. Qin Shu's eyes lit up, and he stepped out directly. When Qin Guan approached, he asked without waiting for her formal greeting, "Wan Yatou, how did it go?"

Qin Guan could see the worry on the three faces. Under their intense gazes, the corners of her lips curved into a slight smile as she nodded.